need recommendation re integrated amp

Nick B · October 19, 2017, 11:26:15 AM

As some of you may know, my speaker experiment with the Nola's didn't pan out. So I'm left with my SP Tech 86 dB 2 ways for now. I've been thinking about considering an integrated, but it might be a tall order to sonically match my modded McCormack.
Ideally, the integrated would have separate power supplies and be remote controllable. As time goes by, I'm more amenable to tubes and a more enjoyable sound. I've grown tired of the "neutral" somewhat etched sound that I've lived with for years. As to the tubes, I wouldn't want to have to retube 6-8 tubes every couple of years. As always, I have a budget and it can't exceed $2500. Are there any worthy contenders that I can buy used for that price?

StereoNut · October 19, 2017, 03:00:44 PM

Maybe look into Primaluna, Nick.

http://www.primaluna-usa.com/integrated-amplifiers/

SN

tmazz · October 19, 2017, 03:16:06 PM

I think the biggest problem will be to find an integrated that has the same kind of output wattage as that McCormack (which id somewhere in the area of 150 wpc if I am not mistaken. ) Even in the Primaluna line the highest output you can get is 96 W and to get that will cost you $4400 for the stock amp, plus whatever it cost you to upgrade the output tubes from EL 34s to KT 150s.

Now if you can live with something in the area of 50 watts that would open up a whole bunch more possibilities.......

shadowlight · October 19, 2017, 06:32:41 PM

Nick,

Are you looking at tube only integrate or hybrid combination of tube/solid state? If you are looking at hybrid some of the ones that come to mind are Peach Tree and Rouge Audio and the tubes are most likely 6dj8/6922/12au7/12ax7. I do not have any experience with either of the brand, just going by the word of mouth on the net.

Nick B · October 19, 2017, 07:04:33 PM

I'm looking at the Prima Luna. Nice stuff.

Yes, the McCormack does a solid 150 and more. If we drop down to 50 watts, what's out there??

Ideally, it would be all tubes or a hybrid would be fine. I really don't know what I need to drive the SPs. Before that, I had a Metaxis ss amp that was 150 as well

shadowlight · October 19, 2017, 08:09:05 PM

Check in with Hugh (Angel City Audio) to see if he has anything from Melody (not sure if anything will be within your budget) or Onix.

Hugh · October 19, 2017, 08:28:37 PM

Quote from: shadowlight on October 19, 2017, 08:09:05 PM
Check in with Hugh (Angel City Audio) to see if he has anything from Melody (not sure if anything will be within your budget) or Onix.

Thanks D.

Hugh · October 19, 2017, 08:32:17 PM

SP Tech at 86 dB will need lots of power.

The truth of the matter is none of the mentioned even come close to Melody when it comes to SQ.
On the other hand, quality comes with more money.

May be Onix 125W amp is the one.

Nick B · October 19, 2017, 09:17:24 PM

Quote from: Hugh on October 19, 2017, 08:32:17 PM
SP Tech at 86 dB will need lots of power.

The truth of the matter is none of the mentioned even come close to Melody when it comes to SQ.
On the other hand, quality comes with more money.

May be Onix 125W amp is the one.

Thanks, Hugh. Oh the hazards of owning poor efficiency speakers... I don't doubt the Melody SQ. Must be very, very nice.
Hope I'll get to hear it in person next year on one of my So California trips. On another note, I was searching online and came across some AV videos...Peter Breuninger....and it was fun seeing you, Tim, Eric Hider and Triode Pete

mdconnelly · October 20, 2017, 05:13:52 AM

Nick, a couple years ago I replaced all my separate components (and butt-load of power cords and interconnects) with a Devialet Expert 200. New, that will definitely blow your budget. Since the Expert 200 has now been replaced by the 220 Pro, you might find a good deal on a 200 (but probably still over $2500). However, since it will replace your amp, preamp, DAC, phono pre and most of your cables, you may find it'll work. Might be worth doing the math. I actually came out ahead after selling all the stuff it replaced. Sound quality has never been better!

shadowlight · October 20, 2017, 05:42:55 AM

Quote from: Hugh on October 19, 2017, 08:32:17 PM
May be Onix 125W amp is the one.

I have the a120 which is my backup amp

. I like that it is dual mono setup. I believe the newer one is also dual mono.

Hugh · October 20, 2017, 06:34:19 AM

Quote from: mdconnelly on October 20, 2017, 05:13:52 AM
Nick, a couple years ago I replaced all my separate components (and butt-load of power cords and interconnects) with a Devialet Expert 200. New, that will definitely blow your budget. Since the Expert 200 has now been replaced by the 220 Pro, you might find a good deal on a 200 (but probably still over $2500). However, since it will replace your amp, preamp, DAC, phono pre and most of your cables, you may find it'll work. Might be worth doing the math. I actually came out ahead after selling all the stuff it replaced. Sound quality has never been better!

Devialet is a good and sound product.

Hugh · October 20, 2017, 06:34:42 AM

Quote from: shadowlight on October 20, 2017, 05:42:55 AM
Quote from: Hugh on October 19, 2017, 08:32:17 PM
May be Onix 125W amp is the one.

I have the a120 which is my backup amp . I like that it is dual mono setup. I believe the newer one is also dual mono.

Correct.

richidoo · October 20, 2017, 11:02:56 AM

The "neutral etched sound" is the Timepieces. The McCormack is a musically balanced amp, it's not the problem, imo. You probably would have tired of the TPs sooner without the McCormack. You can pile on distortion to try to tame the TPs, or you can move on.

SP Tech was never a final destination speaker, cuz the sound is so dominating over the music. If you can find a more musically balanced speaker I think you'll be happy, after a little jonesy.

Hugh · October 20, 2017, 05:05:55 PM

Quote from: richidoo on October 20, 2017, 11:02:56 AM
The "neutral etched sound" is the Timepieces. The McCormack is a musically balanced amp, it's not the problem, imo. You probably would have tired of the TPs sooner without the McCormack. You can pile on distortion to try to tame the TPs, or you can move on.

SP Tech was never a final destination speaker, cuz the sound is so dominating over the music. If you can find a more musically balanced speaker I think you'll be happy, after a little jonesy.

I can't say any better.